Isaiah Likely extended both hands high over Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. He “Moss’d” him for the touchdown that put the Ravens ahead by two scores in the fourth quarter, which would eventually help prove the difference in Baltimore’s 34-10 AFC divisional round playoff win over Houston.
The second-year tight end turned and held the ball out confidently in his left hand. He followed with a two-step strut to go with it, finishing with two receptions on three targets for 34 yards and a touchdown, his sixth in his past six games. He’s now tied with his mentor, fellow tight end Mark Andrews, for the team lead.
This is someone who, until two months ago, played behind Andrews, Jackson’s favorite target, before a significant ankle injury to the star tight end pushed Likely to the top of the depth chart. As Baltimore’s understudy, Likely has one simple goal: be trustworthy.
Jackson had looked for the second-year pro in the red zone on the previous possession, too. After dashing out of a delayed corner route to the middle of the end zone, Jackson threw a dart to Likely, looking to thread a needle between two crashing defenders. It was nearly –– and perhaps should have been –– intercepted.
After the incompletion, Likely looked to his quarterback and signaled that he would have preferred a higher toss over the defense. Jackson nodded and patted his helmet in recognition.
“We got on the same page and I feel like that’s what helped us,” Likely said. “Me putting my hand up letting him know that’s what I was thinking, then him being on the same page [the next drive], that just shows how far we’ve come.”
Jackson doubled down, explaining he pivoted to making a back-shoulder throw on the second try. He found Likely’s high hand, trusting the second-year tight end’s ability to go grab it.
Teammates and coaches spent the latter portion of the season praising how seamlessly Likely has filled Andrews’ extremely large shoes. But the playoffs are a different monster. And he made the play when his number was called.
“Man, what’s awesome about him is he takes advantage of whatever opportunity comes his way,” wide receiver Nelson Agholor said. “He’s not gonna need a large volume of touches to make plays. I think that’s awesome. He’s a gamer. Shoot, there he goes in the end zone again. Guy just makes plays. Lotta respect for him.”
Zay Flowers had a similar sentiment.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson celebrates with tight end Isaiah Likely after Jackson ran for a touchdown against the Texans on Saturday. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
As Likely fielded postgame questions by his locker, the rookie first-round wideout flashed all his teeth in a wide smile, interrupting the line of questioning and boasted, “He’s the man! He’s the man!”
For Likely, there’s a pause and a similarly joyous grin thinking about how far he has come since the summer. What might a younger Likely tell his present-day self if he were able to share the news of his first postseason start?
Ravens allow first punt return for TD in NFL playoffs since 2013
“He’d just tell me … hmm,” his eyes scanned the room. “He’d just tell me always make the little kid in you proud. Remembering you’ve had this dream since you were a little kid. So keeping the main thing the main thing obviously on Sundays, but always having fun and enjoying it.”
Likely acknowledged a belly full of jitters crept in pregame. More so once he hit the field, surrounded by a sea of screaming purple and black –– who coach John Harbaugh tipped his cap to for their ability to affect the game as Houston finished with five offensive penalties. That anxiety washed away after the first whistle, Likely said. The confidence that got him this far took over.
When NFL pundits talk about the treasure trove of home runs the Ravens have hit in building the organization –– from the front office to coordinators, its presumptive Most Valuable Player at quarterback, linebackers group, secondary, even the running backs who have collectively stepped up –– Likely is far down the list of mentionables. But he has proved to be another move that Baltimore hit out of the park, and not only as a regular season fill-in for a sidelined Andrews. He showed Saturday that his five touchdowns over the final six regular-season games were no fluke.
Likely, who was taken in the fourth round of the 2022 draft out of Coastal Carolina, said the best advice he has gotten in his young NFL career came from the injured guy ahead of him, who might be back for the AFC championship game after returning to practice last week. Andrews often reminds him mistakes will come, hiccups too, but that the Ravens picked him for a reason.
“Just honing in and remaining calm,” Likely said. “Being where my feet are. Understanding the coaches have confidence in me to get the job done. Remembering that day in and day out.”
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson wearing a “Top 10” gold chain as he walks to the locker room. after beating the Texans 34-10 in Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson wearing a “Top 10” gold chain as he walks to the locker room. after beating the Texans 34-10 in Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens’ Ronnie Stanley, left, and Lamar Jackson celebrate after Jackson ran in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens’ Ronnie Stanley, behind, and Lamar Jackson celebrate after Jackson ran in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, celebrates with tight end Isaiah Likely after connecting for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Texans on Saturday. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson beats Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins to the end zone during the fourth quarter Saturday. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)
Ravens’ Lamar Jackson runs for a 4th quarter touchdown to give the Ravens a 30-10 lead. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Ravens’ Lamar Jackson runs for a 4th quarter touchdown to give the Ravens a 30-10 lead. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens’ Isaiah Likely catches a touchdown as Houston Texans’ Derek Stingley Jr. attempts to defend against the play in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens’ Isaiah Likely catches a touchdown as Houston Texans’ Derek Stingley Jr. attempts to defend against the play in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, #80 reaches out after scoring a touchdown in front of Houston Texans cornerback Ka’dar Hollman during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, center stands beetween Houston Texans linebacker Blake Cashman, #53 and cornerback Ka’dar Hollman after a touchdown reception during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo)
Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely hauls in a touchdown pass over Houston Texans Derek Stingley Jr. in the 4th quarter of the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Houston Texans’ Jalen Pitre almost intercepts a ball thrown to Baltimore Ravens’ Isaiah Likely during the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, #8 celebrates his rushing touchdown against the Houston Texans with wide receiver Zay Flowers during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, #4 and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. react after quarterback Lamar Jackson scored his second rushing touchdown against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, #8 celebrates his rushing touchdown against the Houston Texans with wide receiver Zay Flowers during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship…(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo)
Baltimore Ravens running back Dalvin Cook, #31 gains first down yardage to the 25-yard line against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo)
Ravens’ #43 Justice Hill is brought down by Texans’ #21 Steven Nelson after he made a first down in the 4th quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo)
Jan. 20, 2024: Ravens’ Lamar Jackson is congratulated by teammates after his 15-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo)
Ravens’ Lamar Jackson runs for a 15-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo)
Texan’s #93 Kurt Hinish sacks Ravens’ Lamar Jackson in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo)
Texans’ kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn misses a field goal late in the first half. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo)
Houston Texans’ Dameon Pierce fumbles while tackled by Baltimore Ravens’ Malik Harrison on a kickoff return recovered by Houston late during the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated Houston 34-10, to advance to the AFC championship. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo)
Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson runs for a first down in the third quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson throws the ball in the third quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Ravens’ #80 Isaiah Likely uses a stiff-arm to hold off Texans’ defender #25 Desmond King II to gain a first down in the third quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson runs the ball against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Texan’s #26 Devin Singletary is tackled by Ravens’ #14 Kyle Hamilton and #0 Roquan Smith in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo)
Ravens’ #92 Justin Madubuike tackles Texans’ #19 Xavier Hutchinson in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens punter Jordan Stout reacts after the Texans score a punt return for a field goal touchdown during the Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens punter Jordan Stout is dejected after the Texans returned a punt for a touchdown during the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Houston Texans’ Steven Sims runs a punt in for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens’ Charlie Kolar catches the ball against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor celebrates a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor, left, and quarterback Lamar Jackson celebrate a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson celebrates with tight end Isaiah Likely after Jackson ran for a touchdown against the Texans on Saturday. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens Lamar Jackson runs in for a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens Lamar Jackson runs in for a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback runs for a first down in the second quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Ravens’ Lamar Jackson celebrates with teammate #15 Nelson Agholor after he caught a touchdown pass in the second quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo)
Ravens Lamar Jackson takes off for a long run in the first quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo)
Ka’imi Fairbairn kicks a 50 yard field goal in the first quarter. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo)
Ravens’ Justin Tucker celebrates with his teammates after kicking a field goal to make the score, 3-0, against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Ravens #24 Jadeveon Clowney tackles Texan’s #26 Devin Singletary during first quarter action. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo)
Ravens fans react to Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker’s first quarter field goal against the Houston Texans. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Ravens defeated the Texans 34-10 in Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Ravens’ Justin Tucker kicks a field goal to make the score, 3-0,, against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker kicks a field goal in the first quarter as the Ravens host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker kicks a field goal in the first quarter as the Ravens host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson breaks from the pocket for a gain against the Houston Texans in the first quarter. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Ravens’ Lamar Jackson runs for a first down against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson throws in the first quarter. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens’ Travis Jones pressures Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud in the first quarter as the Ravens host the Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Houston Texans’ Devin Singletary is tackled for loss by Baltimore Ravens’ Justin Madubuike in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson heads out to practice for the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo)
Fans react before the Divisional Round of the playoffs game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens’ Morgan Moses is on the field before a playoff game against the Houston Texans.(Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens’ Tyler Ott uses a heater to warm up the equipment before a playoff game against the Houston Texans. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff photo)
Wayne Reese known as Uncle Grandpa dances outside of the stadium before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo)
Ken Mioduski of Bel Air, also known as Purple Haze, enjoys the pregame tailgate before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo)
Mark Acton wheels a Ravens MVP sculpture he created through the streets outside of M&T Bank Stadium. Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens in NFL Divisional Round playoff game. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo)
Chris Mills, of Toronto, and wife Chantel Mills, both Odell Beckham Jr. fans, attend their first Ravens game ever and it is the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Governor Wes Moore arrives at M&T Bank Stadium for Baltimore Ravens playoff game against the Houston Texans. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Clarence Thomas known as the Hip-hop Raven enjoys pregame festivities before the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens game. NFL Divisional Round playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff photo)
Former Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning watches the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans warm up during the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo)
Adalius Thomas, left and Carmelo Anthony talk as the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans practice during the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff Photo)
Comedian Stavros Halkias is on the field before the Divisional Round of the playoffs between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens Roquan Smith pumps up the team prior to the divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens Roquan Smith takes the field as the Ravens prepare to host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens’ Justin Madubuike takes the field as the Ravens prepare to host the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Maryland National Guard A10s fly over prior to the start of the divisional playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
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